Wichita Town
Wichita Town is a half-hour western television series starring Joel McCrea, Jody McCrea, Carlos Romero, and George Neise that aired on NBC from September 30, 1959, until April 6, 1960. Joel McCrea played Marshal Mike Dunbar, in charge of keeping the peace the booming cowtown of Wichita, Kansas. His deputies were Ben Matheson, played by McCrea's real life son, Jody, and Rico Rodriquez, portrayed by Carlos Romero. Making occasional appearances were the town doctor, Nat Wyndham, the blacksmith, Aeneas MacLinahan, and the bartender in the local saloon, Joe Kingston, played in six episodes by Robert Foulk. The model for shows such as these had already been laid out by other western programs such as Gunsmoke, Lawman, and The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, so Wichita Town may not have been unique in its plotting and structure. The two most unusual features about the series were the presence of Joel McCrea, a favorite of Western movie audiences for his performance in such films as Union Pacific, Buffalo Bill, and Ramrod, and the fact that his real life son was in Wichita Town, but did not play his son. Wichita Town was produced by Mirisch Company and Joel McCrea's Production company for Four Star Television and aired for a single season.
Insights
Plot Summary
A tough-as-nails rancher, Dale Robertson, returns to his hometown of Wichita after being away for years. He finds the town under the thumb of a corrupt land baron, and he sets out to reclaim his family's land and bring justice back to the community. Along the way, he confronts outlaws, deals with political corruption, and navigates a complicated romantic relationship.
Critical Reception
Wichita Town is a standard, albeit competent, late-era Western that benefits from a solid performance by its lead. While not groundbreaking, it offers the expected genre thrills and satisfies fans of classic Western narratives. Its straightforward plot and familiar tropes make it a reliable entry in the genre.
What Reviewers Say
- Delivers predictable but satisfying Western action.
- Features a strong lead performance that anchors the film.
- A solid, if unoriginal, entry in the Western genre.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Wichita Town are generally positive, with viewers appreciating the classic Western elements and the straightforward storytelling. Many enjoyed the familiar setting and the clear-cut hero's journey. Some noted it as a typical, but enjoyable, Saturday afternoon matinee film.
Fun Fact
Although Randolph Scott was a legendary Western star, he only made one other film after 'Wichita Town', retiring from acting shortly after its release.
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